Joan Carol Michaud

September 25, 1942 – June 19, 2025

Joan, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 82, on June 19, 2025, after a severe automobile accident, that occurred on Monday June 16th.

Born on September 25, 1942, in Los Angeles, CA, Joan was the cherished daughter of Lois Nole Reed and James Kelly.

Joan's life was filled with resilience, love, laughter, and faith. At a young age, she worked as a telephone operator before marrying and dedicating her life to her family. She was a devoted mother and loving wife. After the passing of her first husband, Deloss Koester, in 1994, she continued working at Eagle Ridge Golf Resort until moving to Las Cruces, NM, where she worked in retail at Macy’s. Five years later, she met her present husband, Alexander Michaud, marrying in September 2002. They later moved to Phoenix, AZ, to be closer to Joan’s daughter, Patty Reser, knowing in the future they would need medical care.

Joan later took a job at Dillard’s and found joy in helping shoppers put together outfits. She eventually became a caregiver, offering compassion and kindness to others.

She is survived by her loving children: Debora Hilby (David), Richard Koester, Patty Reser (Patrick), daughter-in-law Karen Koester, and Jeffrey Koester (Sheila), along with 13 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and many dear extended family members.

Joan is also survived by her brother Ronnie Reed, sister Dorene Wagon, sister-in-law Genelda Steffen, brother-in-law Charles Koester, and sister-in-law Carol Kelly.

She was preceded in death by her husband Deloss Koester, her son Daniel Koester, sister Nancy, brother James Kelly Junior, and sisters-in-law Marjorie Muchmore and Phyllis Rosenwinge.

Joan had a zest for life and a love for card games like Canasta, Euchre, and Gin Rummy—always playing with joy and a competitive spirit. She also loved to sing and play the guitar, even if she couldn’t carry a tune. What mattered most to her was the fun and fellowship.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Introduced to the Lord by a woman named Maude when she was young, Joan’s life was forever changed. She remained deeply rooted in her faith, attending church, Bible studies, and taking her children to Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, and Catechism.

A celebration of Joan’s life will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Illuminate Church in Scottsdale, AZ, with a reception to follow.

Joan’s warmth, humor, faith, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.